By Victor Shalton
Air Côte d’Ivoire Takes Delivery of Its First Airbus A320neo
Air Cote d’ Ivore has accepted the delivery of its first Airbus A320neo, becoming the first operator of the type in the West African region. The airliner joins an existing fleet of 6 Airbus aircraft at Air Cote d’ Ivore.
With improved levels of efficiency, this new aircraft will be deployed on Air Côte d’Ivoire’s regional network to serve Senegal, Gabon and Cameroon. The airline also eyes destinations in South Africa at a later date.
Air Cote d’Ivoire’s first A320neo took off from Toulouse carrying 1 tonne of humanitarian goods, including medical equipment and toys. In partnership with Aviation sans Frontières and the Airbus Foundation, the mission is part of Air Côte d’Ivoire’s corporate social responsibility initiative. The transported goods will serve local NGOs in Abidjan, thus supporting the education and health sector in the country.
Powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the aircraft is configured in a comfortable two-class layout with 16 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class.
Passengers will benefit from the widest cabin of any single-aisle aircraft, high-speed internet connectivity and the latest generation in-flight entertainment system.
Last week, Air Cote d’Ivoire reported a turnover of XOF48 billion CFA Francs ($88.7 million) in 2020, down 42% from the XOF83 billion it generated the previous year. To help support the carrier through the COVID-19 pandemic, the government last year granted it XOF14 billion in emergency funding, according to CH-aviation.
The A320neo incorporates the very latest aircraft technologies, including new generation engines, sharklets and improved aerodynamics, which together deliver 20% in fuel savings and CO2 reduction.
The A320 family is the widest single-aisle cabin and features the A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft, which range in length. This represents the most successful and versatile jetliner family ever with seating that ranges from 100 to 240 passengers flying throughout the world.
As the longest-range single-aisle aircraft, airlines and passengers alike have benefited from the A320’s exceptional efficiency and quality since its introduction, which has opened up exciting new travel possibilities throughout the world.
Now with new engine options (NEO) available, the A320 Family continues to be the preferred choice for passengers and customers, setting the standard for the single-aisle market and securing its status as the world’s best-selling aircraft family of all time. The A320neo family has won 7,450 orders from nearly 120 customers.
Victor Shalton’s love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.
